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pipersThe 2018 Poppy Appeal was launched in Benidorm today and as in previous years, we had the privilege of the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums to lead the way, attracting the attention of all around. They make the journey down specially and totally make it the occasion it is.

 

drummersThe parade headed down along the Levante promenade and followed by the immaculately turned out Standard Bearers after which was the Mayor Toni Perez, Vice British Consul Elizabeth Bell, Major Geary Allen – British Military Attaché in Madrid and Don Cubbon – Chairman RBL District North Spain.

skippy and wayneBehind them were the real stars of the event – Arthur ‘Skippy’ Teasdale and Wayne Campbell, the two Chelsea pensioners from the Royal Hospital, London in their distinctive scarlet coats who have been making the journey over for the launch of the poppy appeal for the last few years.


standards upThe entire procession attracted a huge round of applause as it passed from both the British and Spanish and fortunately, despite the looming grey clouds, the rain held off. After the short parade came the official part, with speeches and ending with both the national anthems.

chelsea pensionersThis year is particularly poignant as it marks 100 years since the end of World War I – what was supposed to be the war to end all wars… sadly we know this was not the case. The RBL is a charitable organisation, whose aim is to help and support serving and retired military personnel and their dependents.

ceramic poppiesThis has remained the primary purpose of the RBL throughout the last 100 years and will continue to be the same through the years ahead. The poppy that grew so profusely in the war torn fields of Flanders, where nothing else would, is their emblem and now worn with pride by many as a symbol of remembrance.


standards downThe poem that became the most famous of the war – In Flanders Fields, was not written by a Briton, but by a Canadian doctor, John McCrae, who worked long and terrible hours in a field hospital and was first published in December 1915 by Punch. Sadly McCrea did not live to see the lasting impact of his poem and died of pneumonia in Jan 1918 - he lies buried in Northern France.

The RBL gives us an opportunity to remember through a whole series of events in the UK and overseas, to say thank you to the men and women who helped shape the freedom we have today. Last year, in this part of Spain €169, 622.40 was raised from the poppy appeal – many places will now have them for sale.

Comments  

0 #12 Pauline Colley 2018-10-21 12:07
Lovely to see in Benidorm my second home.
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0 #11 Sharon Palmer 2018-10-21 12:06
Aw I so wish I could have been there to see this beautiful sight
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0 #10 Jean Denby 2018-10-21 12:05
Fantastic you did them proud we can never forget thank you
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0 #9 Linda Garrie 2018-10-21 12:04
This makes me feel very humbled
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0 #8 Susan Hall 2018-10-21 12:03
Aww so sorry i missed it. X
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0 #7 Jane Porter 2018-10-21 12:02
Quite spectacular!!!! !
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0 #6 Kim Bradley 2018-10-21 12:01
Lovely pics, so very proud x
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0 #5 Shirley Hart 2018-10-21 11:59
Wow that's brilliant I love Benidorm xx
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0 #4 Carol Brown 2018-10-21 11:58
What a lovely sight, would of loved to see it, maybe next year, fingers crossed
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0 #3 Cheri Maria 2018-10-21 11:57
I wish I would have seen this it looks wonderful credit to all who took part
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Latest Comments

  • The Benidorm Craic

    Irene Catherine Barl 19.03.2024 09:25
    Amazing day . Beautiful sunshine
     
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    George Walker 19.03.2024 09:24
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